Process for the preparation of a porous carbon material using an improved carbon source

ABSTRACT

A process for preparing a porous carbon material. The process comprises the process steps: providing a carbon source; providing an amphiphilic species; contacting the carbon source and the amphiphilic species to obtain a precursor; and heating the precursor to obtain the porous carbon material; wherein the carbon source comprises a carbon source compound, wherein the carbon source compound comprises an aromatic ring having one or more attached OH groups and an ester link.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase filing of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2018/079457 filed on Oct. 26, 2018, which claimsthe priority of European Patent Application No. 17001779.2 filed on Oct.27, 2017. The disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of aporous carbon material using an improved carbon source. The inventionfurther relates to a porous carbon material, devices comprising theporous carbon material, a use of an improved carbon source for thepreparation of a porous carbon material and a use of a porous carbonmaterial.

BACKGROUND

There exists a demand for porous carbon materials, especially for use inapplications where both electrical conductivity and materialpermeability are required in the same substance. Such applications arefor instance ion transfer cells, in which an electrode materialinteracts with charge carriers at a solid-liquid boundary.

A porous carbon material which is known in the prior art is carbonblack. Carbon black is produced by incomplete combustion of heavypetroleum products such as fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) tar, coal tar,ethylene cracking tar, and a small amount from vegetable oil. Such aprocess for the production of carbon black is for example disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,655,209. The applications of porous carbon are generallybased on the properties of the pore structure. Known applications areelectrodes, such as in lithium ion cells in which simultaneous transportof ions and electrons through the electrode material is required;catalysts, in which a high active surface area and pore accessibilityare required; and fuel cells, in which transport of fuel and electricalconductivity are required.

Processes for producing a porous carbon material using a template actingas a negative to shape the carbon are known in the prior art. Therein,the carbon material is characterized by a pore structure which issubstantially predetermined by the structure of the template material.(By “predetermined” is meant determined beforehand, so that thepredetermined characteristic must be determined, i.e., chosen or atleast known, in advance of some event.) The template can for example bemade from a silicon oxide. A process for producing a silicon oxidetemplate known in the prior art is the so-called sol-gel process. Thesol-gel route to preparation of silicon oxide is well known to theskilled person. For example, producing a monolithic silica body via thesol gel process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,454.

Methods for preparing a porous carbon material without using a solidtemplate are described in U.S. Patent Application Publications No.2005/214539 and No. 2015/0274921. There, a prolonged polymerization stepis required prior to firing.

There persists a need to provide improved methods for making porouscarbon materials, in particular, by a polymerization-type processwithout employing a solid template and with a short polymerization step.There also exists a need for porous carbon materials with improvedproperties.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, it is an object of the present invention to at least partlyovercome a disadvantage arising from the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein the process has a reducedduration.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein the process involves lesssteps.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein the porous carbon materialhas improved properties.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein the porous carbon materialhas a modal pore size in the macro-pore range.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein the porous carbon materialhas a modal pore size above 50 mu.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material, wherein no cross-linking agent isrequired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an environmentallyfriendly process for preparing a porous carbon material.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a processfor preparing a porous carbon material which is environmentallyfriendly.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material without the need for an extensivemixing step.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a process forpreparing a porous carbon material having improved ion transport.

It is an object of the invention to provide a process for thepreparation of a porous carbon product with low impurity concentration.

It is an object of the invention to provide a Li-ion cell with a highcalendar lifetime.

It is an object of the invention to provide a Li-ion cell with a highcycle lifetime.

It is an object of the invention to provide a Li-ion cell with a reduceddefect rate.

A contribution to achieving at least one of the above objects is made byone or more of the thirty-one embodiments disclosed below.

|1| A process for preparing a porous carbon material comprising theprocess steps:

-   -   a. providing a carbon source;    -   b. providing an amphiphilic species;    -   c. contacting the carbon source and the amphiphilic species to        obtain a precursor; and    -   d. heating the precursor to obtain the porous carbon material;    -   wherein the carbon source comprises a carbon source compound,        wherein the carbon source compound comprises the following:        -   i. an aromatic ring having 1 or more attached OH groups,            preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more            preferably 4 or more OH groups; and        -   ii. an ester link, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3            or more, even more preferably 4 or more ester groups.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ring has a first OH groupand a second OH group and the first and second OH groups are adjacent toeach other in the aromatic ring. It is preferred for 3 or more OH groupsto each be adjacent to another OH group, preferably 4 or more OH groups,most preferably all OH groups.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound comprises 2or more aromatic rings, preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more,even more preferably 5 or more.

In one aspect of this embodiment one or more of the OH groups may bepresent in de-protonated form.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound is presentas a salt, preferably comprising an organic anion and a metal cation.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ring is a 6-member ring.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ring is a carbon ring.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ring is a 6-member carbonring.

|2| The process according to embodiment ≡1|, wherein the aromatic ringis a 6-member ring. In one aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ringis a carbon ring. In another aspect of this embodiment, the aromaticring is a heterocycle comprising carbon and at least one other element,preferably selected form the group consisting of P, N, O, S, and B.

|3| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe aromatic ring is a carbon ring. In one aspect of this embodiment,the aromatic ring has 5 to 20 members. In another aspect of theembodiment, the aromatic ring has 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16 or 18members, preferably 6, 10, 13, 14, 16 or 18, more preferably 6 or 10,most preferably 6 members.

|4| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe carbon source compound satisfies one or more of the followingfeatures:

-   -   a. a molecular weight in the range from 500 to 4,000 g/mol,        preferably in the range from 500 to 3,000 g/mol, more preferably        in the range from 1,000 to 2,500 g/mol, most preferably in the        range from 1,500 to 2.000 g/mol;    -   b. a total number of hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic        carbon ring of more than 12, preferably from 12 to 100, more        preferably from 15 to 50, even more preferably from 20 to 35;    -   c. from 5 to 7 aromatic carbon rings per 1,000 g/mol of        molecular weight.

|5| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe carbon source compound comprises a gallic acid structural unit or anellagic acid structural unit or both.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound comprises agallic acid structural unit, preferably from 2 to 12, more preferablyfrom 5 to 11, most preferably 3 to 10 gallic acid structural units. Itis preferred in this aspect for the carbon source compound not tocontain ellagic acid.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound comprisesan ellagic acid structural unit, preferably from 2 to 12, morepreferably from 5 to 11, most preferably 3 to 10 ellagic acid structuralunits. It is preferred in this aspect for the carbon source compound notto contain gallic acid.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound comprisesboth an ellagic acid structural unit and a gallic acid structural unit,preferably from 2 to 12, more preferably from 5 to 11, most preferably 3to 10 ellagic acid and gallic acid structural units in total.

|6| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe carbon source comprises a polyalcohol structural unit.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit has 2or more, more preferably 2 to 10, most preferably 4 to 7 carbon atoms.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit has 2or more, more preferably 2 to 10, even more preferably 3 to 7, mostpreferably 4 to 6 OH groups.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit is asugar. Preferred sugars are glucose and quinic acid.

|7| The process according to the any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the amphiphilic species comprises a compound, wherein thecompound comprises two or more ethylene oxide-based repeating units,preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, most preferably 20 ormore ethylene oxide-based repeating units. In this context, compoundshaving as many as 1,000 ethylene oxide-based repeating units might beemployed.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the compound is a block co-polymercomprising at least one ethylene oxide-based section and at least onesection based on a monomer different from ethylene oxide.

|8| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe first amphiphilic compound comprises more than 20 wt. % of ethyleneoxide-based repeating units, based on the total weight of the firstamphiphilic compound, preferably more than 40 wt. %, more preferablymore than 50 wt. 9, most preferably more than 60 wt. %. In some cases,the compound may comprise up to 90 wt. % of ethylene oxide-basedrepeating units. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first amphiphiliccompound comprises from 20 to 90 wt. % of ethylene oxide-based repeatingunits, based on the total weight of the first amphiphilic species,preferably from 30 to 85 wt. %, more preferably from 40 to 80 wt. %,most preferably from 45 to 75 wt. %.

|9| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe carbon source and the amphiphilic species together are at least 90wt. % of the precursor, preferably at least 95 wt. %, more preferably atleast 99 wt. % of the precursor. Most preferably, the precursor is acombination of just the carbon source and the amphiphilic species.

|10| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe ratio of the amount by weight of carbon source to the amount byweight of the amphiphilic species is in the range from 5:1 to 1:10,preferably in the range from 3:1 to 1:5, more preferably in the rangefrom 2:1 to 1:3.

|11| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinheating step d. is started within 1 hour of the contacting step c.,preferably within 20 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, evenmore preferably within 1 minute.

|12| The process according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe heating step d. is performed at a temperature in the range from 700to 3,000° C., preferably in the range from 725 to 2,800° C., morepreferably in the range from 750 to 2,500° C.

|13| A porous carbon material can be obtained by the process of any ofthe preceding embodiments. The porous carbon material preferably has oneor more of the features of the below-described embodiments |14| or |15|.

|14| A porous carbon material having a pore diameter distribution with amode in the range from 50 to 280 nm, preferably in the range from 60 to270 nm, more preferably in the range from 70 to 260 nm, even morepreferably in the range from 80 to 250 nm, most preferably in the rangefrom 90 to 200 nm.

The features of embodiment |14| preferably also apply to the porouscarbon material of the above process and the porous carbon materialobtained by any of the preceding process embodiments. Furthermore, thefeatures of embodiment |14| are combined with any feature of the aboveporous carbon material embodiments and process embodiments. Each ofthese combinations constitutes a single aspect of the invention.

|15| A porous carbon material having at least one of the followingfeatures:

-   -   a. A total pore volume in the range from 0.4 to 2.8 cm3/g,        preferably in the range from 0.65 to 2 cm3/g, more preferably in        the range from 0.7 to 1.75 cm3/g, for pores having a diameter in        the range from 10 to 10,000 run;    -   b. A BETTOTAL in the range 10 to 1,000 m2/g, preferably in the        range from 20 to 1,000 m2/g, also preferably in the range from        20 to 900 m2/g, more preferably in the range from 2.5 to 800        m2/g;    -   c. A BETMICRO in the range from 0 to 650 m2/g, preferably in the        range from 5 to 600 m2.1 g, more preferably in the range from 5        to 550 m2.1 g;    -   d. A skeletal density in the range from 1.8 to 2.3 g/cm3,        preferably in the range from 1.83 to 2.25 g/cm3, more preferably        in the range from 1.85 to 2.2 g/cm3; and    -   e. A d50 for primary particle diameter in the range from 300 nm        to 300 nm, preferably in the range from 400 nm to 200 nm, more        preferably in the range from 500 urn to 100 μm.

The features of embodiment |15| preferably also apply to the porouscarbon material of the above process and the porous carbon materialobtained by any of the preceding process embodiments. Furthermore, thefeatures of embodiment |15| are combined with any feature of the aboveporous carbon material embodiments and process embodiments. Each ofthese combinations constitutes a single aspect of the invention.

|16| A device comprising the porous carbon material according to any ofthe embodiments |13| to |15|. Preferred devices are capacitors andelectrochemical cells. Preferred capacitors are double-layer capacitors.Preferred electrochemical cells are lead-acid cells, fuel cells andlithium ion cells.

|17| A use of a carbon source for the preparation of a porous carbonmaterial, wherein the carbon source comprises a carbon source compound,wherein the carbon source compound comprises the following:

-   -   i. an aromatic ring having 1 or more attached OH groups; and    -   ii. ii. an ester link.        The carbon source of this embodiment preferably has the features        introduced in the embodiments of the process.

|18| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving the properties of an electricaldevice. Preferred electrical devices in this context are electrochemicalcells, capacitors, electrodes and fuel cells.

|19| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving ion transport in an electricaldevice. Preferred electrical devices in this context are electrochemicalcells, capacitors, electrodes and fuel cells.

|20| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving power density by enhancing iondiffusivity in electrodes of lithium ion batteries.

|21| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |131 to |15|, for improving energy density by enablingincreased electrode thickness in lithium ion batteries.

|22| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for reducing the drying time of electrodes tobe used in lithium ion batteries.

|23| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for reducing the electrolyte filling time ofelectrodes in lithium ion batteries.

|24|A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving power density by enhancing iondiffusivity in electrodes of electric capacitors.

|25| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving energy density by enablingincreased electrode thickness in electric capacitors.

|26| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving cycle life in lead acidbatteries.

|27| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving deep-discharge capacity in leadacid batteries.

|28| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving dynamic charge acceptance inlead acid batteries.

|29| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving cycle life in fuel cells.

|30| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving the low-temperature conductivityof electrolytes in lithium ion batteries.

|13| A use of a porous carbon material according to any of theembodiments |13| to |15|, for improving the water transport in fuelcells.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary, but are notrestrictive, of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is now further elucidated with reference to the figures.The figures and figure descriptions are exemplary and are not to beconsidered as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a process for preparing aporous carbon material;

FIG. 2 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an SEM image of the surface of a cross-sectional cutthrough a material prepared according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to a comparative example;

FIG. 6 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to a comparative example; and

FIG. 7 shows the mercury porosimetry intrusion curve for a materialprepared according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this document disclosures of ranges are to be understood toinclude both end points of the range. Furthermore, each disclosure of arange in the description is to be understood as also disclosingpreferred sub-ranges in which one end point is excluded or both endpoints are excluded. For example, disclosure of the range from 5 to 10kg is to be understood as disclosing a range including the end points 5kg and 10 kg. Furthermore, it is to be understood as also disclosing arange including the end point 5 kg but excluding the end point 10 kg, arange excluding the end point 5 kg but including the end point 10 kg anda range excluding both end points 5 kg and 10 kg.

Throughout this document, phrases in the form “A comprises only B” or “Ais B” are to be understood as meaning that A comprises B and isessentially free of any other constituents. Preferably A in such casecomprises less than 10 wt. %, more preferably less than 1 wt. %, evenmore preferably less than 0.1 wt. % of other constituents, based on thetotal weight of A. It is most preferred for A to be free of anyconstituents other than B. This concept generalizes to an A having twoor more constituents, such as in phrases of the general form “Acomprises only B and C” and “A is B and C.” In such a case, A preferablycomprises less than 10 wt. %, more preferably less than 1 wt. %, evenmore preferably less than 0.1 wt. % of constituents other than B and C,based on the total weight of A. It is most preferred for A to be free ofany constituents other than B or C.

Similarly, phrases of the general form “A does not comprise B” are to beunderstood as meaning that A is essentially free of B. Preferably A insuch case comprises less than 10 wt. %, more preferably less than 1 wt.%, even more preferably less than 0.1 wt. % of B, based on the totalweight of A. It is most preferred for A to be free of B. This conceptgeneralizes to an A which comprises none of a group of two or morespecified constituents, such as a group of the general form “B and C.”Preferably A in such a case comprises a total amount of B and C of lessthan 10 wt. %, more preferably less than 1 wt. %, even more preferablyless than 0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of A. It is mostpreferred for A to be free either B or C or both, preferably both.

The precursor of the present invention may comprise a solvent or adispersant or both. In this document, the term solvent is used as ageneral term and, in particular, can refer to a solvent itself or to adispersant or to both. In particular, preferred features described inthe context of a solvent are also preferred features for a dispersant.

Compounds in the context of the present document preferably aredescribable as a stoichiometric combination of elements. Preferredcompounds may be molecules or ions or molecular ions.

Process

One aspect of the invention is a process for preparing a porous carbonmaterial comprising the process steps:

-   -   a. providing a carbon source;    -   b. providing an amphiphilic species;    -   c. contacting the carbon source and the amphiphilic species to        obtain a precursor; and    -   d. heating the precursor to obtain the porous carbon material;    -   wherein the carbon source comprises a carbon source compound,        wherein the carbon source compound comprises the following:        -   i. an aromatic ring having 1 or more attached OH groups; and        -   ii. an ester link.

The precursor comprises the carbon source and the amphiphilic species.In one embodiment, the precursor comprises one or more furtherconstituents other than the carbon source and the amphiphilic species.In another embodiment, the precursor comprises just the carbon sourceand the amphiphilic species.

Further constituents for the precursor may be any which the skilledperson considers appropriate in the context of the invention. Preferredfurther constituents are one or more selected from the group consistingof a solvent and a cross-linking agent.

Where further constituents are present in the precursor, they areconsidered to be separate from the carbon source and from theamphiphilic species, for example for the purposes of calculatingproportions by mass. For example, where a carbon source is prepared in asolvent and introduced to the other constituent or other constituents ofthe precursor as a solution, the solvent is considered in the context ofthis disclosure to be a further constituent and does not count as partof the carbon source.

Amphiphilic Species

The amphiphilic species of the present invention preferably serves todirect the formation of a three-dimensional structure from the carbonsource. The amphiphilic species is preferably present in the precursorin the form of micelles and three-dimensional structures and preferablylead to the formation of pores in the resulting porous carbon material.

The amphiphilic species preferably comprises a first amphiphiliccompound, the first amphiphilic compound comprising two or more adjacentethylene oxide-based repeating units. In one embodiment of theinvention, the amphiphilic species comprises the first amphiphiliccompound only. In another embodiment, the amphiphilic species comprisesthe first amphiphilic compound and one or more further amphiphiliccompounds, or two or more, or three or more, or four or more furtheramphiphilic compounds. It is preferred that the further amphiphiliccompounds each comprise two or more adjacent ethylene oxide-basedrepeating units. Herein, preferred features disclosed in relation to theamphiphilic compound are preferred features for the first amphiphiliccompound. Where one or more further amphiphilic compounds are present inthe amphiphilic species, the preferred features disclosed in relation tothe amphiphilic compound or to the first amphiphilic compound are alsopreferred features for one or more of, preferably all of, the furtheramphiphilic compounds.

Preferred amphiphilic compounds possess both hydrophilic and lipophilicbehavior.

Hydrophilic Behavior

One preferred hydrophilic group is the ethylene oxide based-repeatingunit. Other preferred hydrophilic groups are one or more selected fromthe group consisting of a charged group and a polar uncharged group.Preferred polar uncharged groups comprise one or more selected from thegroup consisting of O, S, N, P F, Cl, Br and I. More preferred polaruncharged groups comprise O. Examples of preferred polar unchargedgroups are hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, aldehyde, ester, ether, peroxy,haloformyl, carbonate ester, hydroperoxyl, hemiacetal, hemiketal,acetal, ketal, orthoester, methylenedioxy, orthocarbonate ester,sulfhydryl, sulphide, disulphide, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, sulphino,sulpho, thiocyanate, isothiocyanate, carbonothioyl, phosphino,phosphono, phosphate, carboxamide, amine, ketamine, adimine, imide,azide, azo, cyanate, isocyanate, nitrate, nitrile, isonitrile,nitrosooxy, nitro, nitroso, oxime, pyridyl, chloro, bromo and iodo.Preferred polar uncharged groups are hydroxyl and ester, more preferablyhydroxyl. Preferred charged groups can be cationic or anionic. Examplesof preferred anionic groups are carboxylate, sulphate, sulphonate andphosphate, more preferably carboxylate. Preferred cationic groups areammonium.

The lipophilic behavior of the amphiphilic compound is preferablyprovided by one or more hydrocarbon moieties or one or more poly-ethermoieties different from poly ethylene oxide or one or more of each.

Preferred hydrocarbon moieties may be saturated or unsaturated. Apreferred saturated hydrocarbon is an alkane. Preferred alkanes may belinear, branched, cyclic or a mixture thereof. Preferred unsaturatedhydrocarbon moieties comprise one or more carbon-carbon double bonds orone or more aromatic rings or one or more of each. A preferredhydrocarbon comprises a carbon chain or two or more carbon chains, eachcarbon chain preferably having 5 or more carbon atoms, more preferably10 or more carbon atoms, most preferably 20 or more carbon atoms. Thecarbon chain preferably comprises one or more selected from the groupconsisting of a straight carbon chain, a branched carbon chain and acarbon ring. The carbon chain preferably comprises a straight carbonchain, preferably is a straight carbon chain. Preferred carbon chainsthis context may comprise one or more selected form the group consistingof an alkane unit, an alkene unit, and an alkyne unit. The carbon chainpreferably comprises an alkane unit, more preferably is an alkane.

Repeating Units

The amphiphilic compound may comprise ethylene oxide-based repeatingunits, preferably adjacent. The ethylene oxide-based repeating unitpreferably has the formula —(CH₂CH₂O)—. The amphiphilic compoundpreferably comprises two or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or moreethylene oxide-based repeating units. In one aspect of this embodiment,the amphiphilic compound comprises one or more blocks of ethyleneoxide-based repeating units, each block comprising two or more,preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably20 or more, most preferably 50 or more ethylene oxide-based repeatingunits connected directly in a chain.

In one embodiment, a preferred amphiphilic compound comprises more than20 wt. % of ethylene oxide-based repeating units, based on the totalweight of the first amphiphilic compound, preferably more than 40 wt. %,more preferably more than 50 wt. %, most preferably more than 60 wt. %.In some cases, the compound may comprise up to 90 wt. % of ethyleneoxide-based repeating units. In one aspect of this embodiment, theamphiphilic compound comprises from 20 to 90 wt. % of ethyleneoxide-based repeating units, based on the total weight of the firstamphiphilic species, preferably from 30 to 85 wt. %, more preferablyfrom 40 to 80 wt. %, most preferably from 45 to 75 wt. %.

In one embodiment, it is preferred for the amphiphilic compound tocomprise one or more of a further repeating unit, the further repeatingunit being different from an ethylene oxide-based repeating unit.

The further repeating unit is preferably a propylene oxide-basedrepeating unit. The propylene oxide-based repeating unit preferably hasthe formula —(CHCH₃CH₂O)—. The amphiphilic compound preferably comprisestwo or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even morepreferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or more of the furtherrepeating unit. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amphiphiliccompound comprises one or more blocks of the further repeating unit,each block comprising two or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or moreof the further repeating unit connected directly in a chain.

The amphiphilic compound may comprise a butylene oxide-based repeatingunit, preferably two or more, more preferably 5 or more, still morepreferably 10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, most preferably50 or more of the butylene oxide-based repeating unit. In one aspect ofthis embodiment, the amphiphilic compound comprises one or more blocksof the butylene oxide-based repeating unit, each block comprising two ormore, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even morepreferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or more of the butyleneoxide-based repeating unit connected directly in a chain.

In one embodiment, it is preferred for the amphiphilic compound tocomprise one or more ethylene oxide-based repeating units and one ormore of a further repeating unit, the further repeating unit beingdifferent from an ethylene oxide-based repeating unit. The furtherrepeating unit is preferably a propylene oxide-based repeating unit. Thepropylene oxide-based repeating unit preferably has the formula—(CHC₃CH₂O)—. The amphiphilic compound preferably comprises two or more,more preferably 5 or more, still more preferably 10 or more, even morepreferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or more ethylene oxide-basedrepeating units. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amphiphiliccompound comprises one or more blocks of ethylene oxide-based repeatingunits, each block comprising two or more, preferably 5 or more, morepreferably 10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, most preferably50 or more ethylene oxide-based repeating units connected directly in achain. The amphiphilic compound preferably comprises two or more, morepreferably 5 or more, still more preferably 10 or more, even morepreferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or more of the furtherrepeating unit. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amphiphiliccompound comprises one or more blocks of the repeating unit, each blockcomprising two or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 ormore, even more preferably 20 or more, most preferably 50 or more of thefurther repeating unit connected directly in a chain. In a preferredaspect of this embodiment, the amphiphilic compound comprises one ormore blocks of ethylene oxide-based repeating units and one or moreblocks of the further repeating unit. In one aspect of this embodiment,the amphiphilic compound comprises one or more ethylene oxide-basedrepeating units and two or more further repeating units. One of the twoor more further repeating units is preferably a propylene oxide-basedrepeating unit. It is particularly preferred that the amphiphiliccompound comprises one or more blocks of each of the ethyleneoxide-based repeating unit and the two or more further repeating units.

In one preferred embodiment the amphiphilic compound is a blockcopolymer comprising one or more hydrophilic blocks and one or morehydrophobic blocks. The preferred hydrophilic block is an ethyleneoxide-based repeating unit. Preferred hydrophobic blocks are a propyleneoxide-based block, a butylene oxide-based block, or a hydrocarbon block,preferably a propylene oxide-based block or a hydrocarbon block.Preferred block copolymers are diblock copolymers of the form AB ortriblock copolymers of the form ABA or BAB.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound is a triblock copolymer ofthe form ABA, wherein A is an ethylene oxide-based block and B is eithera propylene oxide-based block or a hydrocarbon.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound is a triblock copolymer ofthe form BAB, wherein A is an ethylene oxide-based block and B is eithera propylene oxide-based block or a hydrocarbon.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound is a diblock copolymer ofthe form AB, wherein A is an ethylene oxide-based block and B is eithera propylene oxide-based block or a hydrocarbon.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound is a mixed triblockcopolymer of the form BAC, wherein A is an ethylene oxide-based block, Band C are different and each chosen from the group consisting of apropylene oxide-based block and a hydrocarbon.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound is a block copolymer,preferably as above, with one or more terminal groups, preferablyselected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon, sulphate,phosphate, an amine, carboxylate and an ammonium salt.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic species may be provided in a solvent.In this case, the solvent is separate from the amphiphilic species forthe purposes of calculating properties of the amphiphilic species, suchas content by weight in the precursor.

In one embodiment, a preferred amphiphilic compound has an HLB(hydrophile-lipophile balance) value measured by the Griffin Method inthe range from 1 to 19, preferably in the range from 2 to 19, morepreferably in the range from 4 to 19, even more preferably in the rangefrom 6 to 17, most preferably in the range from 8 to 15. In oneembodiment, preferred amphiphilic compounds have an HLB measured by theGriffin Method of 1 or more, or more than 1 or 2 or more, or more than 2or 4 or more, or more than 4.

In one embodiment, a preferred amphiphilic compound has an HLB valuemeasured by the Reference Method described in the test methods in therange from 1 to 19, preferably in the range from 2 to 19, morepreferably in the range from 4 to 19, even more preferably in the rangefrom 6 to 17, most preferably in the range from 8 to 15. In oneembodiment, preferred amphiphilic compounds have an HLB measured by theReference Method described in the test methods of 1 or more; or morethan 1; or 2 or more; or more than 2; or 4 or more: or more than 4.

In one embodiment, a preferred amphiphilic compound has an HLB valuemeasured by the Davies Method of 1 or more; or more than 1; or 2 ormore; or more than 2; or 4 or more; or more than 4; or 6 or more; ormore than 6; or 8 or more; or more than 8. Some amphiphilic compoundscan have an HLB value measured by the Davies Method of up to 100.

In one embodiment, a preferred amphiphilic compound has an HLB valuemeasured by the Effective Chain Length Method (Guo et al., Journal ofColloid and Interface Science 298, 441-50 (2006)) of 1 or more; or morethan 1; or 2 or more; or more than 2; or 4 or more; or more than 4; or 6or more; or more than 6; or 8 or more; or more than 8. Some amphiphiliccompounds can have an HLB value measured by the Effective Chain LengthMethod of up to 100.

In one embodiment, 0.5 g of the amphiphilic species satisfies one ormore of the following criteria immediately after shaking in 10 ml ofdistilled water, preferably determined according to the test methoddescribed herein:

-   -   a. gas bubbles are present;    -   b. only one non-gas phase is present; and    -   c. only one non-gas phase is present and this phase is liquid        and clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. In the various aspectsof this embodiment, the following combinations are satisfied: a, b, c,b+c, a+b, a+c or a+b+c. It is preferred for at least c to be satisfied.

Gas bubbles can be present within the body of another phase or mayaccumulate at the top of another phase to form a foam.

In one embodiment, 0.5 g of the amphiphilic species satisfies one ormore of the following criteria 5 minutes after shaking in 10 ml ofdistilled water, preferably determined according to the test methoddescribed herein:

-   -   a. only one non-gas phase is present; and    -   b. only one non-gas phase is present and this phase is liquid        and clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. It is preferred for atleast b to be satisfied.

In one embodiment, 0.5 g of the amphiphilic species satisfies one ormore of the following criteria 10 minutes after shaking in 10 ml ofdistilled water, preferably determined according to the test methoddescribed herein:

-   -   a. only one non-gas phase is present; and    -   b. only one non-gas phase is present and this phase is liquid        and clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. It is preferred for atleast b to be satisfied.

In one embodiment, 0.5 g of the amphiphilic species satisfies one ormore of the following criteria 1 hour after shaking in 10 ml ofdistilled water, preferably determined according to the test methoddescribed herein:

-   -   a. only one non-gas phase is present; and    -   b. only one non-gas phase is present and this phase is liquid        and clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. It is preferred for atleast b to be satisfied.

In one embodiment, 0.5 g of the amphiphilic species satisfies one ormore of the following criteria 1 day after shaking in 10 ml of distilledwater, preferably determined according to the test method describedherein:

-   -   a. only one non-gas phase is present; and    -   b. only one non-gas phase is present and this phase is liquid        and clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. It is preferred for atleast b to be satisfied.

Carbon Source

The carbon source of the present invention preferably provides thecarbon material for the formation of a three-dimensional structure. Thisthree-dimensional structure preferably has open pores and alsopreferably channels, preferably built by connecting open pores.

The carbon source of the present invention comprises a carbon sourcecompound which comprises following:

-   -   i. an aromatic ring having 1 or more attached OH groups; and    -   ii. an ester link.

The carbon sources compound may comprise more than one aromatic ring. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound comprises 2 ormore aromatic rings, preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more,even more preferably 5 or more. Where two or more aromatic rings arepresent in the carbon source compound, the aromatic rings may be thesame or different. It is preferred for the aromatic rings within thesame carbon source compound to be the same.

The aromatic ring preferably comprises adjacent OH groups. Adjacent OHgroups in the aromatic ring are connected to adjacent ring members. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the aromatic ring has a first OH groupand a second OH group and the first and second OH groups are adjacent toeach other in the aromatic ring. It is preferred for 3 or more OH groupsto each be adjacent to another OH group, preferably 4 or more OH groups,most preferably all OH groups.

The OH groups in the aromatic ring may be in protonated or de-protonatedform. In one aspect of this embodiment, the carbon source compound ispresent as a salt, preferably comprising an organic anion and a metalcation.

Preferred aromatic rings have from 5 to 20 ring members. In oneembodiment, the aromatic ring has 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16 or 18members, preferably 6, 10, 13, 14, 16 or 18, more preferably 6 or 10,most preferably 6 members.

In one embodiment, the aromatic ring is a carbon ring. In anotherembodiment, the aromatic ring is a heterocycle comprising carbon and atleast one other element, preferably selected form the group consistingof P, N, O, S, and B. Carbon rings are preferred.

In the following, the aromatic ring is described in terms of its basewithout substituents. For example, phenol is described as benzenebecause it is equivalent to a benzene ring having an attached OH group.

Preferred carbon rings in this context are the following: benzene,naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene.

Preferred aromatic rings comprising oxygen are the following: furan,benzofuran and isobenzofuran. Preferred aromatic rings comprising onenitrogen atom are the following: pyrrole, indole, isoindole, imidazole,benzimidazole, purine, pyrazole, indazole, pyridine, quinoline,isoquinoline, pyrazine, quinoxaline, acridine, pyrimidine, quinazoline,pyridazine, cinnoline, phthalazine 1,2,3-triazine, 1,2,4-triazine, and1,3,5-thiazine. Preferred aromatic rings comprising sulphur are thefollowing: thiophene, benzothiophene and benzo[c]thiophene. Preferredaromatic rings comprising both nitrogen and oxygen are the following:oxazole, benzoxazole, isoxazole, and benzisoxazole. Preferred aromaticrings comprising both nitrogen and sulphur are the following: thiazoleand benzothiazole.

The carbon source compound preferably comprises a polyalcohol structuralunit. The polyalcohol structural unit preferably provides an anchoringpoint for further constituents of the compound, which are preferablylinked to the polyalcohol via ester links.

In one embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit has 2 or more, morepreferably 2 to 10, most preferably 4 to 7 carbon atoms. In one aspectof this embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit has 2 or more, morepreferably 2 to 10, even more preferably 3 to 7, most preferably 4 to 6OH groups. In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyalkanol structuralunit is a sugar. Preferred sugars are mono-saccharides, preferablyhaving a chemical formula of the general form C_(n)H_(2n)O_(n), whereinn is a whole number, preferably at least 3, more preferably 6. Preferredsugars are glucose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose,mannonse, gulose, iodose, galactose and talose, preferably glucose. Inone embodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit is glucose. In anotherembodiment, the polyalcohol structural unit is quinic acid.

Preferred carbon source compounds are polyphenols. In one embodiment,the carbon source is a polyphenol according to theWhite-Bate-Smith-Swain-Haslam (WBSSH) scheme.

In one embodiment, the carbon source compound satisfies one or more ofthe following features:

-   -   a. a molecular weight in the range from 500 to 4,000 g/mol,        preferably in the range from 500 to 3,000 g/mol, more preferably        in the range from 1,000 to 2,500 g/mol, most preferably in the        range from 1,500 to 2.000 g/mol;    -   b. a total number of hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic        carbon ring of more than 12, preferably from 12 to 100, more        preferably from 15 to 50, even more preferably from 20 to 35;        and    -   c. from 5 to 7 aromatic carbon rings per 1,000 g/mol of        molecular weight.

Preferred carbon source compounds are tannins. Preferred tanninscomprise one or more gallic acid structural units or one or more ellagicacid structural units or one or more gallic acid structural units andone or more ellagic acid structural units. Preferred tannins are thegallotannins and ellagitannins. Preferred tannins are hydrolysabletannins. Preferred hydrolysable tannins comprise one or more esterstructural units. Preferred hydrolysable tannins release gallic acid orellagic acid when hydrolyzed. Preferred tannins comprise one or moresugar structural units, preferably a single sugar structural unit. Thepreferred sugars in this context are glucose and quinic acid. In oneembodiment, the carbon source compound comprises a gallic acidstructural unit, preferably from 2 to 12, more preferably from 5 to 11,most preferably 3 to 10 gallic acid structural units. In one embodiment,the carbon source compound comprises an ellagic acid structural unit,preferably from 2 to 12, more preferably from 5 to 11, most preferably 3to 10 ellagic acid structural units. In one embodiment, the carbonsource compound comprises both an ellagic acid structural unit and agallic acid structural unit, preferably from 2 to 12, more preferablyfrom 5 to 11, most preferably 3 to 10 ellagic acid and gallic acidstructural units in total.

Tannic acid is the preferred carbon source compound. In one embodiment,the carbon source compound is a galloyl glucose. Preferred galloylglucoses are the following: digalloyl glucose, trigalloyl glucose,tetragalloyl glucose, pentagalloyl glucose, hexagalloyl glucose,heptagalloyl glucose, octagalloyl glucose, nonagalloyl glucose,decagalloyl glucose, endecagalloyl glucose, and dodecagalloyl glucose.In one embodiment, the carbon source compound is a galloyl quinic acid.Preferred galloyl quinic acids are the following: digalloyl quinic acid,trigalloyl quinic acid, tetragalloyl quinic acid, pentagalloyl quinicacid, hexagalloyl quinic acid, heptagalloyl quinic acid, octagalloylquinic acid, nonagalloyl quinic acid, decagalloyl quinic acid,endecagalloyl quinic acid, and dodecagalloyl quinic acid. In oneembodiment, the carbon source compound is an ellagyl glucose. Preferredellagyl glucoses are the following: diellagyl glucose, triellagylglucose, tetraellagyl glucose, pentaellagy glucose, hexaellagyl glucose,heptaellagyl glucose, octaellagyl glucose, nonaellagyl glucose,decaellagyl glucose, and endecaellagyl glucose, dodecaellagyl glucose.In one embodiment, the carbon source compound is an ellagyl quinic acid.Preferred ellagyl quinic acids are the following: diellagyl quinic acid,triellagyl quinic acid, tetraellagyl quinic acid, pentaellagyl quinicacid, hexaelagyl quinic acid, heptaellagyl quinic acid, octaellagylquinic acid, nonsellagyl quinic acid, decaellagyl quinic acid,endecaellagyl quinic acid, and dodecaellagyl quinic acid. In oneembodiment, the carbon source comprises a single carbon source compoundselected form the above. In another embodiment, the carbon sourcecomprises a mixture of two or more carbon source compounds selected fromthe above. The preferred tannic acid is decagalloyl glucose and has thechemical formula C₇₆H₅₂O₄₆.

Solvent/Dispersant

One or more solvents or dispersants may be present in the precursor.Solvents and dispersants are preferably liquids. Solvents anddispersants in this context preferably dissolve or disperse one or moreof the constituents of the precursor, either prior to or after formationof the precursor. Preferred features of the solvent are described hereinand these features are also preferred features of a dispersant. Asolvent may be introduced to the other constituents of the precursor assuch or as a solvent for one or more of the other constituents of theprecursor prior to formation of the precursor. If one or more solventsare employed, they are considered to be separate from other constituentsof the precursor for the purpose of calculating content by weight, evenif they are employed as a solvent therefor prior to formation of theprecursor. For example, if the carbon source is introduced to the otherconstituents of the precursor in the form of a solution or dispersion ofthe carbon source in a carbon source solvent, the content of the carbonsource in the precursor is calculated excluding the content of thecarbon source solvent. This also applies, in particular, for theamphiphilic species and the co-ordinating species where one is present.

Solvents may be any solvent known to the skilled person and which theartisan considers appropriate in the context of the invention, inparticular solvents which are selected for their capability to dissolveor disperse one or more of the constituents of the precursor. Solventsmay be organic or inorganic. A preferred solvent has a boiling point.Solvents preferably vaporize without leaving a residue when heated toabove their boiling point. The preferred inorganic solvent is water.Preferred organic solvents are alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, esters orketones, preferably alcohols. Preferred alcohols are methanol, ethanolor propanol, preferably ethanol. Another preferred organic solvent isacetone.

In one embodiment, the precursor does not comprise a solvent.

Cross-Linking Agent

One or more cross-linking agents may be present in the precursor.Preferred cross-linking agents serve the purpose of facilitating thejoining together of the carbon source into a three-dimensional structurein the porous carbon material. A cross-linking agent can be a catalyst,preferably a polymerization catalyst for the carbon source.

Cross-linking agents may be any compound known to the skilled personwhich the artisan considers appropriate in the context of the invention,in particular compounds which are selected for their capability forfacilitating the joining together of the carbon source.

Preferred cross-linking agents comprise two or more functional groups.Preferred functional groups are able to form a link to the carbonsource.

Preferred cross-linking agents are one or more selected from the groupconsisting of para toluene sulphonic acid, hexamethylenetetramine,hexamethoxymethylmelamine and 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol.

In one embodiment, the cross-linking agent is a methylene donor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precursor comprises across-linking agent, preferably in the range from 1 to 20 parts byweight, more preferably in the range from 2 to 15 parts by weight, evenmore preferably in the range from 5 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100parts of carbon source. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, thecross-linking agent is a cross-linking agent for the carbon source. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the cross-linking agent is a catalyst forpolymerizing the carbon source. In a preferred embodiment, the precursordoes not comprise a cross-linking agent. In one embodiment, theprecursor does not comprise more than 10 parts by weight ofcross-linking agent, more preferably not more than 1 part, even morepreferably not more than 0.1 part, most preferably not more than 0.01parts based on 100 parts of carbon source. In particular, for a desiredpore volume it is preferred to have less than 10 parts, preferably lessthan 1 part, more preferably less than 0.1 parts, even more preferablyless than 0.01 parts, or even no cross-linking agent present, based on100 parts of carbon source.

Process Conditions

The process of the invention preferably comprises a heating step. Theheating step preferably serves to obtain a porous carbon material fromthe precursor, preferably through linking together of the carbon source.

In the heating step, one or more constituents other than the carbonsource, preferably all constituents other than the carbon source, areremoved from the precursor so as not to remain in the porous carbonmaterial. Preferably one or more selected from the following group,preferably all of the members of the following group which are presentin the precursor, are removed from the precursor during the heating stepso as not to remain in the porous carbon material: the amphiphilicspecies; the solvent, if present; the cross-linking agent, if present;further constituents other than the carbon source, if present.Constituents removed from the precursor during the heating step can exitthe precursor whole, for example by evaporation or sublimation, or candecompose inside the precursor whereupon the decomposition products exitthe precursor.

The heating step preferably comprises a high-temperature firing. Thehigh-temperature firing is preferably performed at a temperature in therange from 700 to 3,000° C. The purpose of the high-temperature firingstep preferably serves to carbonize and potentially graphitize thecarbon source, thereby obtaining the porous carbon material.

The precursor preferably does not require pre-polymerization before theheating step. In one embodiment of the invention, the heating step ofthe precursor does not comprise a low-temperature holding step of 10minutes or more at a holding temperature in the range from 30° C. to150° C., preferably no low-temperature holding step of 1 minute or moreat a holding temperature in the range from 30° C. to 150° C.

The process of the invention may comprise a mixing step, in which two ormore constituents of the precursor, or the precursor itself, is mixed.In one embodiment, the process of the invention comprises a mixing step.In another embodiment, the process of the invention does not comprise amixing step. In one embodiment, no longer than 1 hour is spent mixing,preferably no longer than 10 minutes, more preferably no longer than 1minute. Where the process comprises a mixing step, it is preferablycompleted before the heating step. Where the process comprises ahigh-temperature heating step, a low-temperature heating step and amixing step, the mixing step is preferably performed prior to thelow-temperature heating step and the low-temperature heating step ispreferably completed before the high-temperature heating step.

A particular contribution made by the present invention is processsimplicity. In particular, the present invention can obviate the needfor additional steps prior to firing, in particular low-temperatureheating steps or lengthy mixing steps. In one embodiment, the timebetween first contact between the carbon source and the amphiphilicspecies and the start of a firing step is less than 10 hours, preferablyless than 5 hours, more preferably less than 1 hour, even morepreferably less than 20 minutes, most preferably less than 5 minutes. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the start of a firing step is the firsttime the precursor is raised to a temperature above 200° C., or above300° C. or above 400° C., or above 500° C., or above 600° C.

The process may comprise a graphitization step, designed to modify theproperties of the porous carbon material. In one embodiment, the processcomprises a graphitization step following a firing step. Thegraphitization step is preferably performed at a higher temperature thanthe firing step. In another embodiment, the process does not compriseseparate firing and graphitization steps. In one aspect of thisembodiment, a high-temperature step is employed for both carbonizationof the carbon source and graphitization of the resultant porous carbonmaterial.

Preferred temperatures for the graphitization step are in the range from1,200 to 3,000° C., more preferably in the range from 1,500 to 2,800°C., most preferably in the range from 1,700 to 2,500° C. Where theprocess comprises a graphitization step, the graphitization step ispreferably performed after the heating step.

Porous Carbon Material

A contribution to achieving at least one of the above-mentioned objectsis made by a porous carbon material according to the present invention.It is preferred according to the invention that the carbon source iscarbonized in the heating step and the porous carbon material isobtained. The porous carbon material differs from the precursor in oneor more, preferably all, of the following ways: constituents of theprecursor other than the carbon source are removed from the precursorduring heating and are no longer present in the porous carbon material;some atoms other than carbon are removed from the carbon source duringheating and are no longer present in the porous carbon material, wherebythe porous carbon material has a lower proportional content of atomsother than carbon than the carbon source: the porous carbon material isa contiguous solid, in contrast to the precursor which comprises amixture of liquids and non-contiguous solids; and the porous carbonmaterial has a lower density than the carbon source or than theprecursor or than both.

The term “contiguous solid” is used in reference to the porous carbonmaterial to indicate that the carbon atom constituents of the porouscarbon material are linked in collections of atoms which are immoveablerelative to each other, wherein those collections are larger than themolecular scale, preferably having a largest dimension more than 100Angstroms, more preferably more than 500 Angstroms, further morepreferably more than 1,000 Angstroms, still further more preferably morethan 5,000 Angstroms, most preferably more than 10,000 Angstroms. In oneembodiment, the porous carbon material is present as a body having alargest dimension of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1 cm, morepreferably at least 5 cm. In another embodiment, the porous carbonmaterial is present as a collection of particles, preferably following astep in which a single body is split into two or more bodies.

The porous carbon material preferably has the features described in theembodiments disclosed above in the summary of the disclosure.

Technology Applications

The porous carbon material can be employed in a number of technicalapplications. Preferred applications are the following: anelectrochemical cell; a fuel cell, in particular a hydrogen fuel cell,and there in particular in proton exchange membrane; a capacitor, anelectrode; and a catalyst. Preferred electrochemical cells in thiscontext are lead acid cells and lithium ion cells. Preferred fuel cellsin this context are hydrogen cells. Preferred capacitors in this contextare electric double-layer capacitors.

Process conditions and individual constituents can be selected toachieve desired properties of the porous carbon material while stillworking within the scope of the invention. For example, a graphitizationstep following firing can be employed for decreasing the Brunauer,Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area of the porous carbon material.

The porous carbon material preferably has the properties described inthe embodiments section.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has one or more,preferably all of the following features:

-   -   a. BET_(TOTAL) of less than 300 m²/g, preferably less than 200        m²/g, more preferably less than 150 m²/g; most preferably less        than 100 m² g;    -   b. BET_(MICRO) of less than 100 m²/g, preferably less than 60        m²/g, more preferably less than 30 m²/g    -   c. Mean pore size above 40 m, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the mean pore size        may be up to about 280 nm;    -   d. Modal pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 m, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the modal pore size        may be up to about 280 nm;    -   e. A ratio of modal pore size to mean pore size in the range        from 0.2 to 1.1, preferably in the rage from 0.4 to 1.05, more        preferably in the range from 0.6 to 1;    -   f. Total pore volume greater than 0.5 cm/g, preferably greater        than 0.7 cm³/g, more preferably greater than 1.0 cm/g, for pores        having a pore size in the range from 10 nm to 10,000 nm and, in        some cases, the total pore volume may be up to 2.0 cm³/g;    -   g. Particle diameter do below 7 μm, preferably below 5 μm, more        preferably below 3 μm and, in some cases, the particle size do        can be as low as 100 nm;    -   h. Less than 25 ppm impurities other than carbon, preferably        less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 18 ppm;    -   i. Fe content less than 25 ppm, preferably less than 20 ppm,        more preferably less than 15 ppm; and    -   j. Conductivity greater than 2 S/cm, preferably greater than 4        S/cm, more preferably greater than 6 S/cm.

In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for one or more of thefeatures a. b. d. f. g. b. i. and j. to be fulfilled.

In another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for at leastfeatures c. and d. to be fulfilled.

Porous carbon materials of this embodiment are particularly suitable foruse in lithium ion cells, in particular, as a cathode additive. Acontribution is made towards at least one of the above-mentioned objectsby a lithium ion cell comprising the porous carbon material of theinvention, preferably according to this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has one or more,preferably all of the following features:

-   -   a. BET_(TOTAL) of less than 100 m²/g, preferably less than 80        m²/g, more preferably less than 70 m²/g, most preferably less        than 60 m² g;    -   b. BET_(MICRO) of less than 20 m²/g, preferably less than 15        m²/g, more preferably less than 10 m²/g;    -   c. Mean pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the mean pore size        can be as high as 280 nm;    -   d. Modal pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the modal pore size        can be as high as 280 nm;    -   e. A ratio of modal pore size to mean pore size in the range        from 0.2 to 1.1. preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.05, more        preferably in the range from 0.6 to 1;    -   f. Total pore volume greater than 0.5 cm³/g, preferably greater        than 0.8 cm³/g, more preferably greater than 1.1 cm³/g, for        pores having a pore size in the range from 10 nm to 10,000 nm        and, in some cases, the total pore volume may be up to 2.0        cm³/g:    -   g. Particle size (d90) below 7 m, preferably below 5 μm, more        preferably below 3 μm and, in some cases, the particle size d90        can be as low as 100 nm;    -   b. Less than 25 ppm impurities other than carbon, preferably        less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 18 ppm;    -   i. Fe content less than 25 ppm, preferably less than 20 ppm,        more preferably less than 15 ppm; and    -   j. Conductivity greater than 0.5 S/cm, preferably greater than        0.7 S/cm, more preferably greater than 1 S/cm.

In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for one or more of thefeatures a. b. d. f. g. h. i. and j. to be fulfilled.

In another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for at leastfeatures c. and d. to be fulfilled.

Porous carbon materials of this embodiment are particularly suitable foruse in lithium ion cells, in particular, as an anode additive. Acontribution is made towards at least one of the above-mentioned objectsby a lithium ion cell comprising the porous carbon material of theinvention, preferably according to this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has one or more,preferably all, of the following features:

-   -   a. BET_(TOTAL) greater than 200 m²/g, preferably greater than        300 m²/g, more preferably greater than 400 m²/g and, in some        cases, the BET_(TOTAL) may be up to 1,000 m²/g;    -   b. BET_(MICRO) greater than 150 m²/g, preferably greater than        200 m²/g, more preferably greater than 250 m²/g and, in some        cases, the BET_(MICRO) may be up to 1000 m/g;    -   c. Mean pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the mean pore size        can be as high as 280 nm;    -   d. Modal pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the modal pore size        can be as high as 280 nm;    -   e. A ratio of modal pore size to mean pore size in the range        from 0.2 to 1.1, preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.05, more        preferably in the range from 0.6 to 1;    -   f. Total pore volume greater than 0.7 cm³/g, preferably greater        than 1.0 cm³/g, more preferably greater than 1.3 cm³/g, for        pores having a pore size in the range from 10 nm to 10,000 nm        and, in some cases, the total pore volume may be up to 2.0 cm/g;    -   g. Particle size (d₅₀) greater than 25 μm, preferably greater        than 30 μm, more preferably greater than 35 μm and, in some        cases, the d₅₀ particle size may be up to about 200 μm;    -   h. Less than 4,000 ppm impurities other than carbon, preferably        less than 2,500 ppm, more preferably less than 1,500 ppm;    -   i. Fe content less than 250 ppm, preferably less than 200 ppm,        more preferably less than 150 ppm; and    -   j. Conductivity greater than 0.1 S/cm, preferably greater than        0.2 S/cm, more preferably greater than 0.3 S/cm.

In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for one or more of thefeatures a. b. d. f. g. h. i. and j. to be fulfilled.

In another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for at leastfeatures c. and d. to be fulfilled.

Porous carbon materials of this embodiment are particularly suitable foruse in lead acid electrochemical cells. A contribution is made towardsat least one of the above-mentioned objects by a lead acidelectrochemical cell comprising the porous carbon material of theinvention, preferably according to this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has one or more,preferably all, of the following features:

-   -   a. BET_(TOTAL) of greater than 400 m²/g, preferably greater than        450 m²/g, more preferably greater than 500 m²/g and, in some        cases, the BET_(TOTAL) may be up to 2,000 m²/g;    -   b. BET_(MICRO) greater than 200 m²/g, preferably greater than        250 m²/g, more preferably greater than 300 m²/g and, in some        cases, the BET_(MICRO) may be up to 1,000 m²/g; c. Mean pore        size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more preferably above        60 nm and, in some cases the mean pore size may be up to about        250 nm;    -   d. Modal pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the modal pore size        may be up to about 250 nm;    -   e. A ratio of modal pore size to mean pore size in the range        from 0.2 to 1.1, preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.05, more        preferably in the range from 0.6 to 1;    -   f. Total pore volume less than 1.2 cm²/g, preferably less than 1        cm/g, more preferably less than 0.8 cm²/g, for pores having a        pore size in the range from 10 nm to 10,000 nm;    -   g. Particle size do below 7 μm, preferably below 5 μm, more        preferably below 3 nm and, in some cases, the particle size d₉₀        can be as low as 100 nm;    -   h. Less than 25 ppm impurities other than carbon, preferably        less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 18 ppm;    -   i. Fe content less than 25 ppm, preferably less than 20 ppm,        more preferably less than 15 ppm; and    -   j. Conductivity greater than 2 S/cm, preferably greater than 6        S/cm, more preferably greater than 10 S/cm.

In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for one or more of thefeatures a. b. d. f. g. h. i. and j. to be fulfilled.

In another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for at leastfeatures c. and d. to be fulfilled.

Porous carbon materials of this embodiment are particularly suitable foruse in electric capacitors, preferably electric double-layer capacitors.A contribution is made towards at least one of the above-mentionedobjects by a capacitor, preferably an electric double-layer capacitor,comprising the porous carbon material of the invention, preferablyaccording to this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has one or more,preferably all, of the following features:

-   -   a. BET_(TOTAL) of greater than 150 m²/g, preferably greater than        200 m²/g, more preferably greater than 250 m²/g and, in some        cases, the BET_(TOTAL) may be up to 900 m²/g;    -   b. BET_(MICRO) less than 200 m²/g, preferably less than 175        m²/g, more preferably less than 150 m²/g and, in some cases, the        BET_(MICRO) may be as low as 10 m²/g;    -   c. Mean pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 m, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the mean pore size        may be up to about 280 nm;    -   d. Modal pore size above 40 nm, preferably above 50 nm, more        preferably above 60 nm and, in some cases, the modal pore size        may be up to about 280 nm;    -   e. A ratio of modal pore size to mean pore size in the range        from 0.2 to 1.1, preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.05, more        preferably in the range from 0.6 to 1;    -   f. Total pore volume more than 0.5 cm²/g, preferably more than        0.75 cm²/g, more preferably more than 1.0 cm²/g, for pores        having a pore size in the range from 10 m to 10,000 nm;    -   g. Particle size do below 7 μm, preferably below 5 μm, more        preferably below 3 μm and, in some cases, the particle size d₉₀        can be as low as 200 nm;    -   h. Less than 25 ppm impurities other than carbon, preferably        less than 20 ppm, more preferably less than 18 ppm;    -   i. Fe content less than 25 ppm, preferably less than 20 ppm,        more preferably less than 15 ppm; and    -   j. Conductivity greater than 2 S/cm, preferably greater than 4        S/cm, more preferably greater than 5 S/cm.

In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for one or more of thefeatures a. b. d. f. g. h. i. and j. to be fulfilled.

In another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred for at leastfeatures c. and d. to be fulfilled.

Porous carbon materials of this embodiment are particularly suitable foruse in electrochemical cells, preferably fuel cells, more preferablyproton exchange membrane fuel cells. A contribution is made towards atleast one of the above-mentioned objects by a fuel cell, preferably aproton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising the porous carbonmaterial of the invention, preferably according to this embodiment.

A further aspect of this disclosure relates to a porous carbon producthaving a specified distribution of particle size, preferably of particlediameter, preferably as determined by the test method presented herein.A preferred particle size, preferably particle diameter, is preferably aparticle size of contiguous bodies.

A contribution towards overcoming at least one of the above describedtechnical objects is made by a porous carbon material |Y1| having aparticle distribution d50 in the range from 10 to 250 μm, preferably 20to 220 μm, more preferably 25 to 200 μm, further more preferably 40 to160 μm, still further more preferably in the range from 60 to 130 μm,most preferably in the range from 70 to 110 μm. In one embodiment, theporous carbon material has a particle size d50 above 10 μm, preferablyabove 20 μm, more preferably above 25 μm, further more preferably above40 μm, still further preferably above 50 μm, most preferably above 60μm. In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has a particle sized50 below 250 μm, preferably below 220 μm, more preferably below 200 un,further more preferably below 160 μm, still further more preferablybelow 130 μm, most preferably below 110 μm. In some cases, the particlesize d50 may be up to about 280 μm. In one embodiment, it is preferredfor the porous carbon material to satisfy one or more of the featuresdescribed generally for porous carbon materials in this disclosure. Inone embodiment, it is preferred for the porous carbon material to beobtainable, preferably obtained, by a process disclosed herein.

A contribution towards overcoming at least one of the above describedtechnical objects is made by a process |Y2| comprising the followingsteps:

-   -   a. Providing a porous carbon material; and    -   b. Adapting the particle distribution d₅₀ of the porous carbon        material to a value in the range from 10 to 250 μm, preferably        20 to 220 μm, more preferably 25 to 200 μm, further more        preferably 40 to 160 μm, still further more preferably in the        range from 60 to 130 μm, most preferably in the range from 70 to        110 μm.

In one embodiment, the porous carbon material has a particle size d50above 10 μm, preferably above 20 μm, more preferably above 25 μm,further more preferably above 40 μm, still further more preferably above50 μm, most preferably above 60 μm. In one embodiment, the porous carbonmaterial has a particle size d50 below 250 μm, preferably below 220 μm,more preferably below 200 μm, further more preferably below 160 μm,still further more preferably below 130 μm, most preferably below 110μm. In some cases, the particle size d50 may be up to about 280 μm. Inone embodiment, it is preferred for the porous carbon material tosatisfy one or more of the features described generally for porouscarbon materials in this disclosure. In one embodiment, it is preferredfor the porous carbon material to be obtainable, preferably obtained, bya process disclosed herein.

A contribution towards overcoming at least one of the above-describedtechnical objects is made by a device comprising the porous carbonmaterial according to |Y1| or obtainable by the process according to|Y2|. A preferred device in this context is a cell, preferably a cellcomprising lead or an acid or both. The porous carbon material ispreferably employed in or at an electrode, preferably an anode. In oneembodiment, the device comprises an acid. A preferred acid is sulfuricacid. In one embodiment, the device comprises water. In one embodiment,the device comprises PbSO4. In one embodiment, the device comprises anelectrolyte. Preferred constituents of the electrolyte are H2SO4 andH2O. A preferred concentration of H2SO4 in the electrolyte is in therange from 1 to 1.5 g/cm3, preferably in the range from 1.05 to 1.45g/cm3, more preferably in the range from 1.1 to 1.4 g/cm3.

A contribution towards overcoming at least one of the above-describedtechnical objects is made by a use of a porous carbon material accordingto |Y1| or obtainable by the process according to |Y2| in a device. Apreferred device in this context is a cell, preferably a cell comprisinglead or an acid or both. The porous carbon material is preferablyemployed in or at an electrode, preferably an anode. In one embodiment,the device comprises an acid. A preferred acid is sulfuric acid. In oneembodiment, the device comprises water. In one embodiment, the devicecomprises PbSO4. In one embodiment, the device comprises an electrolyte.Preferred constituents of the electrolyte are H2SO4 and H2O. A preferredconcentration of H2SO4 in the electrolyte is in the range from 1 to 1.5g/cm3, preferably in the range from 1.05 to 1.45 g/cm3, more preferablyin the range from 1.1 to 1.4 g/cm3. The use is preferably for improvingcell performance. In one aspect, the use is for reducing water loss. Inone aspect the use is for increasing charge acceptance.

Test Methods

The following test methods are used in the invention. In the absence ofa test method, the International Standards Organization (ISO) testmethod for the feature to be measured published most recently before theearliest filing date of the present application applies. In the absenceof distinct measuring conditions, standard ambient temperature andpressure (SATP) as a temperature of 298.15 K (25 C, 77 F) and anabsolute pressure of 100 kPa (14.504 psi, 0.986 atm) apply.

Skeletal Density (Also Referred to as Material Density or BackboneDensity)

The skeletal density measurements were performed according to DIN66137-2. Between 0.49 g and 0.51 g of the powder sample were weighed inthe sample cell and dried at 200° C. under vacuum for 1 hour prior tothe measurement. The mass after drying was used for the calculation. APycnomatic ATC Helium Pycnometer from Themo Fisher Scientific. Inc. wasused for the measurement, employing the “small” sample volume and the“small” reference volume. The pycnometer is calibrated monthly using the“extra small” sphere with a well-known volume of around 3 cm3.Measurements were performed using Helium with a purity of 4.6, at atemperature of 20.00° C., and a gas pressure of approximately 2 bar,according to the DIN standard and the standard operating procedure (SOP)of the device.

Mercury Porosimetry (ore size and pore volume)

The specific pore volume for different pore sizes, the cumulative porevolume, and the porosity were measured by mercury porosimetry. Themercury porosimetry analysis was performed according to ISO15901-1(2005). A ThermoFisher Scientific PASCAL 140 (low pressure up to 4 bar)und a PASCAL 440 (high pressure up to 4,000 bar) and SOLID Version 1.6.3(Nov. 26, 2015) software (all from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) werecalibrated with porous glass spheres with a modal pore diameter of 140.2m and pore volume of 924.4 mm3/g (ERM-FD122 Reference material fromBAM). During measurements the pressure was increased or decreasedcontinuously and controlled automatically by the instrument running inthe PASCAL mode and speed set to 8 for intrusion and 9 for extrusion.The Washbum method was employed for the evaluation and the density of Hgwas corrected for the actual temperature. The value for surface tensionwas 0.48 N/m and contact angle 140°. The sample size was between about25 and 80 mg. Before starting a measurement, samples were heated to 150°C. in vacuum for 1 hour.

Gas Adsorption (Total, External and Micropore Specific Surface Area,BET_(TOTAL), BET_(external) and

BET measurements to determine the specific surface area of particleswere made in accordance with DIN ISO 9277:2010. A NOVA 3000 (fromQuantachrome) which works according to the SMART method (Sorption Methodwith Adaptive dosing Rate), was used for the measurement. As referencematerial Quantachrome Alumina SARM Catalog No. 2001 (13.92 m2/g onmulti-point BET method), and SARM Catalog No. 2004 (214.15 m²/g onmulti-point BET method) available from Quantachrome were used. Fillerrods were added to the reference and sample cuvettes in order to reducethe dead volume. The cuvettes were mounted on the BET apparatus. Thesaturation vapour pressure of nitrogen gas (N2 4.0) was determined. Asample was weighed into a glass cuvette in such an amount that thecuvette with the filler rods was completely filled and a minimum of deadvolume was created. The sample was kept at 200° C. for 1 hour undervacuum in order to dry it. After cooling the weight of the sample wasrecorded. The glass cuvette containing the sample was mounted on themeasuring apparatus. To degas the sample, it was evacuated at a pumpingspeed selected so that no material was sucked into the pump to a finalpressure of 10 mbar.

The mass of the sample after degassing was used for the calculation. Fordata analysis the NovaWin 11.04 Software was used. A multi-pointanalysis with 5 measuring points was performed and the resulting totalspecific surface area (BETtotal) given in m2/g. The dead volume of eachsample cell was determined once prior to the measurement using Heliumgas (He 4.6, humidity 30 ppmv). The glass cuvettes were cooled to 77° Kusing a liquid nitrogen bath. For the adsorptive, N2 4.0 with amolecular cross-sectional area of 0.162 nm2 at 77° K was used for thecalculation.

The empirical t-plot methodology was used according to ISO15901-3:2007to discriminate between contributions from micropores and remainingporosity at relative pressures of more than 0.1 (i.e., mesoporosity,macroporosity and external surface area contributions) and to calculatethe micropore surface (BETmicro) and micropore volume. The low-pressureisotherm data points up to a cut-off p/p0, typically up to 0.1 p/p0,were selected to determine the linear section of the t-plot. Data pointselection was validated by obtaining a positive C constant. Themicropore volume was determined from the ordinate intercept. Themicropore specific surface area (BETmicro) can be calculated from theslope of the t-plot.

The external specific surface area BETexternal is defined by subtractingthe micropore specific surface area from the total specific surfacearea, BETexternal=BETtotal−BETmicro.

Particle Size Distribution

Laser Diffraction (D₁₀, D₅₀, D₉₀):

For particle size determination of the particles a laser diffractionmethod was used according to ISO Standard 13320. A Mastersizer 3000 fromMalvern equipped with a He—Ne Laser (wave length of 632.8 nm with amaximum power of 4 mW) and a blue LED (wave length of 470 nm with amaximum power of 10 mW) and wet dispersing unit (Hydro MV) was employedfor the measurements performed at ambient temperature of 23° C. Amixture of isopropanol and deionized water (50%/50%) was used as ameasurement medium. The mixture was degassed in the dispersing unit byusing the built-in stirrer at 3.500 rpm and ultrasonicated at maximumpower for 10 seconds. The sample material was prepared as a concentrateddispersion in 100% isopropanol (40 mL). The quantity of material wassufficient to create a homogeneous mixture after the ultrasonic fingermixing for 30 seconds. The sample was added to the dispersing unitdrop-wise with a pipette until the obscuration value was between 3-7%.The values of D10, D50 and D90 (volume based) were determined using theMalvern software Mastersizer 3000 Software 3.30, and a form factor of 1.The Fraunhofer theory was used for samples where the particles were >10μm and the Mie theory was applied to materials where the particles were<10 μm.

Sieving (weight fraction having particle size of more than 315 μm):

Sieving for weight fractions with particles having a size larger than315 μm was performed carefully with a sieve with an Air Jet RHEWUM LPS200 MC sieving machine (RHEWUM GmbH) equipped with a sieve with 315 μmopenings from Haver und Böcker (HAVER & BOECKER OHG).

Dispersability of Amphiphilic Molecule in Water

Samples of 0.5 g of amphiphilic molecule and 10 mL of deionized waterwere introduced into a 20 mL glass container with a screw top lid. Theclosed container was vigorously shaken for 25 seconds. This 25-secondshaking was repeated 10 further times separated by 10-minute intervals.After a 1-day interval, the closed container was again vigorously shakenfor 25 seconds and the 25-second shaking was repeated 10 further timesseparated by 10-minute intervals. The container was inspected visuallyimmediately after the final shaking. The dispersability wascharacterized by the following three features:

-   -   a. whether gas bubbles were present,    -   b. whether one non-gas phase was or more than one non-gas phases        were present, and    -   c. where a single non-gas phase was present, whether the phase        was milky or clear.

Clear in this context preferably means producing an obscuration of lessthan 0.1% according to the method given herein. The container was alsoinspected after the following periods of time following the finalshaking: 5 minutes, 10 minutes, one hour and one day. In each furtherinspection, the dispersibility was characterized according to featuresb, and c.

Gas bubbles can be present within the body of another phase or mayaccumulate at the top of another phase to form a foam.

Powder Conductivity

The powder test sample was compacted using uniaxial mechanical pressingwith a pressure of 75 kg/cm². An electrical current was applied to thecompacted test sample using gold plated electrodes and the potentialdifference across the voltage drop measured. From this measurement theelectrical resistance and thus the conductivity in S/cm were calculated.A value of more than 1 S/cm is classed as being electrically conductive.

Obscuration Determination for Solution Clarity

The clarity of a solution was determined by laser obscuration using theMalvern Mastersizer 3000 instrument equipped with a He—Ne Laser (632.8un wavelength) and a blue LED and wet dispersing unit (Hydro MV) andmeasurements were performed at ambient temperature of 23° C. A mixturecontaining 5 g of amphiphilic molecule in 100 mL of deionized water wereintroduced into a 250 mL glass container with a screw top lid. The HydroMV dispersing unit was automatically filled with deionized water by theMalvern software Mastersizer 3000 Software 3.30 and the backgroundmeasurement was measured. The built-in stirrer was set at 500 rpm andthe solution was continuously stirred. An aliquot of 5 mL was pipettedout of the 100 mL water/5 g amphiphilic molecule solution and added tothe Hydro MV dispersing unit. The unit was stirred at 500 rpm for 2minutes. Three measurements were taken, each of 10 seconds, and theaverage obscuration of the He—Ne laser was determined for eachmeasurement by the software and reported as a percent. The path lengthof light through the sample was 2.6 mm. An obscuration (I₀−I)/I₀ of lessthan 0.1% is considered to be clear.

Ethylene Oxide Content Determination in Polyols by NMR

The determination of the ethylene oxide (EO) content was determinedusing the ASTM standard test method (D4875-05). The test method B withcarbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹³C NMR) was used. ABruker AC 300 spectrometer was used with deuterated acetone (NMR-gradewith tetramethylsilane (TMS) as the internal standard) and NMR sampletubes with a diameter of 5 mm. Samples were prepared with 3 mL ofamphiphilic molecules with 2 mL of deuterated acetone, and mixtures werevigorously shaken for 25 seconds. The shaking was repeated 10 times at10-minute intervals. The appropriate sample amount was transferred to anNMR tube.

The spectrometer parameters were set as in the ASTM method with: thelock on acetone d-6, pulse angle 90° acquisition time of 2 seconds,pulse delay of 5 seconds, spectral width of 100 ppm, and 32 k data pointacquisition and the H-1 decoupler on. The signal was acquired with 2,000transients and Fourier transformed from a weighted free induction decaysignal to the frequency domain spectrum. The integrated areas of the PO(propylene oxide) methane and methylene carbon peaks (from 76.6 to 72.8and 67.0 to 65.2 ppm (TMS reference)) and the EO carbon resonances (from72.6 to 68.3 and 62.0 to 61.0 ppm) were obtained. For EO-capped polyols,the resonance at 73.1 ppm corresponds to the beta carbon of the terminalEO block and was subtracted from the PO peak area and added to the EOpeak area. The PO and EO ratio was obtained by:

${{PO}/{EO}} = \frac{B^{\prime} + C^{\prime} - F}{B + C + F}$

Where:

B′=area of the PO resonances,

B=area of the EO carbons.

C′=area of PO terminal methane carbon,

C=total area of terminal EO carbons, and

F=area of terminal EO carbon of an EO block.

(Areas C and F are only significant for EO-capped polyols.)

The weight percent of EO was calculated from the PO/EO ratio (calculatedabove) by:

${EO} = {\frac{44}{{58( {{PO}/{EO}} )} + {44}} \times 100}$

Where the molecular mass for EO is 44 g/mol EO and for PO is 58 g/molPO. The EO percent was reported to the nearest tenth percent.

Adjacent Ethylene Oxide Unit Determination by Coupled LC and MALDI-TOFMS

The method of S. M. Weidner et al. (Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2007;21: 2,750-58) was employed. The ions were detected with a micro-channelplate (MCP) detector. The mass spectrum was analyzed to determine thepresence of spectral features separated by 44 nm units which correspondto adjacent EO units.

Determination of Effective HLB Value of Amphiphilic Molecules—ReferenceMethod

An Effective HLB value was determined from the stability determinationof an oil and water emulsion made with various blends to surfactants.The emulsion was made with a canola oil [CAS 120962-03-0] and deionizedwater. If the unblended surfactant to be tested made a two-phasedispersion or anon-clear dispersion in the water dispersability testimmediately after shaking, it was considered a low HLB value dispersantand was blended with Tween20 (HLB value from Griffin Method of 16.7 andavailable from CrodaGmb [CAS 9005-64-5]). If the surfactant to be testedmade single non-s-phase dispersion with a clear phase in the waterdispersability test, it was considered a high HLB value dispersant andwas blended with Span® 80 (HLB value from Griffin Method of 4.3 andavailable from Croda GmbH, [CAS 1338-43-8]).

Blend number Low HLB value surfactants High HLB value surfactants 1 100wt. % surfactant to be 100 wt. % Span 80/0 wt. % tested/0 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested 2 90 wt. % surfactant to be 90 wt. % Span 80/10wt. % tested/10 wt. % Tween 20 surfactant to be tested 3 80 wt. %surfactant to be 80 wt. % Span 80/20 wt. % tested/20 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested 4 70 wt. % surfactant to be 70 wt. % Span 80/30wt. % tested/30 wt. % Tween 20 surfactant to be tested 5 60 wt. %surfactant to be 60 wt. % Span 80/40 wt. % tested/40 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested 6 50 wt. % surfactant to be 50 wt. % Span 80/50wt. % tested/50 wt. % Tween 20 surfactant to be tested 7 40 wt. %surfactant to be 40 wt. % Span 80/60 wt. % tested/60 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested 8 30 wt. % surfactant to be 30 wt. % Span 80/70wt. % tested/70 wt. % Tween 20 surfactant to be tested 9 20 wt. %surfactant to be 20 wt. % Span 80/80 wt. % tested/80 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested 10 10 wt. % surfactant to be 10 wt. % Span 80/90wt. % tested/90 wt. % Tween 20 surfactant to be tested 11 0 wt. %surfactant to be 0 wt. % Span 80/100 wt. % tested/100 wt. % Tween 20surfactant to be tested

The emulsions each made with 10 mL of oil and 10 mL of deionized waterwere added to a glass vial with a screw top lid. In each case, a 1 gsample of the blend of surfactants was added to the oil and watermixture. The closed vial containing the mixture was vigorously shakenfor 25 seconds. The 25-second shaking was repeated 10 times at 10-minuteintervals. After a 1-day interval the closed vial was again vigorouslyshaken for 25 seconds and the 25-second shaking was repeated 10 furthertimes separated by 10-minute intervals. The stability of the emulsionswas characterized by the height of the water component in thedispersions as measured with a ruler in centimeters. The stability wasmeasured after 7 days from the last shaking. The two blends whichproduced the water component with smallest height were identified.Further blends at 2.5 wt. % increments were made and tested in the rangebetween the two identified blends. The blend which yielded the smallestheight of the water component matches the required HLB of canola oil of7. The effective HLB can be calculated from the weight ratio in theblend and the known HLB of the Span® 80 or Tween® 20 in the blendassuming the blend has a combined HLB of 7.

Transport of Solvent in an Electrode

Ethanol was added to the carbon material powder to be tested until ahomogeneous wetted mass was obtained (typical ratio of carbon:ethanol of1:3 by weight). A suspension of 60 wt. % of PTFE in water (purchasedfrom Sigma Aldrich GmbH, CAS: 9002-84-0) was employed as a binder. Aminimum amount of binder was employed sufficient for forming adough-like mass later (typically binder in the range 5-30% wt. % wasrequired with respect to the carbon in the mixture). While mixing forone hour, the slurry transformed into a dough-like mass. The moistelectrode was rolled out with a rolling pin to a layer thickness of 250μm when wet, and dried for 12 hours at 120° C. If the dried electrodeexhibited cracking, the test procedure was restarted employing a highercontent of binder.

An 8 mm×15 mm rectangle sample from the prepared dried electrode sheetwas cut. A clip sample holder (SH0601 sample holder from Kratss GmbH)was used to hang the electrode sample. A force tensiometer K100 fromKrüss GmbH was used in the contact angle measurement mode and using aglass vessel (SV20 from Krüss GmbH, diameter of 70 mm) containing2-propanol CAS number 67-63-0). The measurement was controlled by theKrüss Laboratory Desktop software, Version 3.2.2.3068, provided by KrüssGmbH and performed at ambient temperature of 23° C. The sample wassuspended above the solvent which was raised at a 6 mm/min rate todetect the surface of the liquid (sensitivity for detection was 0.01 g).The electrode sample was further dipped in the solvent by raising thesolvent vessel at a rate of 3 mm/mm. If the electrode bent or curledduring the dipping procedure, the test was restarted with a newelectrode sample. The mass was recorded every 0.2 mm from a depth of 1mm to a final depth of 6 mm. The electrode sample was held at 6 mm depthfor 45 seconds, after which the mass was again recorded. The electrodewas removed from the solvent at a rate of 3 mm/min with datameasurements every 0.2 mm. The mass of the absorbed solvent during the45-seconds hold at 6 mm was determined by subtraction. The measurementwas repeated three times and the average solvent uptake mass wasdetermined. The absorbed solvent mass is directly related to thetransport efficiency in the electrode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1 shows a process 100 for preparing a porous carbon material 106. Acarbon source 101, in this case Tanex 31 (hydrolysable tannic acidmixture); an amphiphilic species 102, in this case Synperonic PE/F127(nonionic high HLB emulsifier); and optionally other constituents 103,in this case no further ingredients, were contacted in a contacting step104 thereby obtaining a precursor 105. A heating step 106 is performedto obtain a porous carbon material 107 from the precursor 105.

FIG. 2 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to the invention using Tanex 31 and Synperonic PE/F127 asstarting materials. It can be seen that the carbon structure is formedof interconnected beads with hollow pores in between.

FIG. 3 shows an SEM image of the surface of a cross-sectional cutthrough a material prepared according to the invention using Tanex 31and Synperonic PE/F127 as starting materials. Here also the beadstructure and pores of the carbon body are evident.

FIG. 4 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to the invention using Tanex 31 and Synperonic PEF127 asstarting materials. Here also the long-range porous structure of thecarbon body is evident.

FIG. 5 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to a comparative example using OmniVin 10R (condensed tannin)and Synperonic PE/F127 as starting materials. It can be seen that nolong-range porous structure in the carbon is formed.

FIG. 6 shows an SEM image of the surface of a material preparedaccording to a comparative example using Tanal QW (condensed tannin) andSynperonic PEF127 as starting materials. It can be seen that nolong-range porous structure in the carbon is formed.

FIG. 7 shows the mercury porosimetry intrusion curve for the materialsprepared according to the invention using Tanex 31 and Syperonic PF127as starting materials.

The invention is now further elucidated with the aid of examples. Theseexamples are for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. Commercial sources for materialsemployed are presented in Table 0 below.

Example 1

5 g of tannic acid carbon source (according to Table 1) and acorresponding amount of an amphiphilic species (also according toTable 1) were introduced into a reaction vessel in proportions asindicated in Table 1. The reaction vessel and contents were immediatelyheated to 900° C., and maintained at that temperature for 3 hours. Theproperties of the resulting porous carbon material are also shown inTable 1.

Example 1 was repeated with the Synperonic PE/F127 amphiphilic speciesand the Tanex 20 carbon source, except that the reaction vessel alsocontained water. The weight ratio of amphiphilic species:carbonsource:water was 1:1:2. The properties of the resulting porous carbonmaterial are shown in Table 2.

Example 3

Example 1 was repeated with the Genapol X-100 amphiphilic species andthe Silvatech C carbon source. The weight ratio of amphiphilicspecies:carbon source is shown in Table 3. The properties of theresulting porous carbon material are shown in Table 3.

Example 4 (Comparative)

Example 1 was repeated with the Synperonic PE/F127 but with a condensedtannin in place of the tannic acid of the invention. Both OmniVin 10Rand Tanal QW were employed as condensed tannin. No porous carbon productwas formed. The weight ratio of carbon source:amphiphilic species andthe results are shown in Table 4.

Carbon Black Material (Comparative)

Hydrogen evolution tests and dynamic charge acceptance tests in a leadacid battery were performed using Lamp Black 101 (LB 101) carbon black,available from Orion Engineered Carbons. The carbon black had a d₅₀ of95 nm and a BET (NSA) value of 29 m²/g. Results are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 0 Manufacturer Product name Material type Croda GmbHSynperonic ™PE/F127 Amphiphilic molecule Croda GmbH Synperonic ™PE/P84Amphiphilic molecule Clariant Genapol ® PF10 Amphiphilic moleculeInternational LTD Clariant Genapol ® PF20 Amphiphilic moleculeInternalional LTD Clariant Genapol ® PF40 Amphiphilic moleculeInternational LTD Clariant Genapol ® X-080 Amphiphilic moleculeInternational LTD Clariant Genapol ® X-100 Amphiphilic moleculeInternational LTD BASF SE (purchased Pluronic ® F-68 Amphiphilicmolecule from Sigma Aldrich GmbH) BASF SE (purchased Pluronic ® 10R5Amphiphilic molecule from Sigma Aldrich GmbH) BASF SE (purchasedPluronic ® L-35 Amphiphilic molecule from Sigma Aldrich GmbH) BASF SE(purchased Pluronic ® P123 Amphiphilic molecule from Sigma Aldrich GmbH)SA Ajinomoto Tanex 20 Gallotannin/gallic tannin OmniChem NV SA AjinomotoTanex 31 Gallotannin/gallic tannin OmniChem NV SA Ajinomoto Tanex 40Gallotannin/gallic tannin OmniChem NV SA Ajinomoto OnmiVin 10R Condensedtannin OmniChem NV SA Ajinomoto Tanal QW Condensed tannin OmniChem NVSilvateam s.p.a. Silvatech GC Gallotannin/gallic tannin Silvateam s.p.a.Silvatech FNG Gallotannin/gallic tannin Silvateam s.p.a. Silvatech T80Gallotannin/gallic tannin Silvateam s.p.a. Silvatech CEllagitannin/ellagic tannin Extract Dongen B.V. Chestnut KPNEllagitannin/ellagic tannin

TABLE 1 weight ratio Lead Mean Modal Amphi- carbon Carbon Tannic acidpore pore pore BET BET BET skeletal philic HLB MW source:am- source acidbattery size size volume total micro external density molecule value*[g/mol] % EO phiphile compound core material [nm] [nm] [cm3/g] [m2/g][m2/g] [m2/g] [g/cm3] Genapol 2 1900 10 1:1 Tanex 20 glucose 183 40460.6 5 0 5 1.78 PF10 Genapol 2 1900 10 1:1 Tanex 40 Quinic 21 2520 0.1 3020 10 1.77 PF10 acid Genapol 4 2500 20 1:1 Tanex 20 glucose 875 2403 1.1113 96 17 1.90 PF20 Genapol 4 2500 20 1:1 Silvatech glucose 193 2400 195 75 19 1.86 PF20 GC Genapol 4 2500 20 1:1 Silvatech glucose 234 22540.7 8 7 1 1.85 PF20 FNG Genapol 4 2500 20 1:1 Tanex 40 Quinic 1641 22200.5 1 0.3 1 1.73 PF20 acid Genapol 4 2500 20 1:1 Silvatech Quinic 2232219 0.8 102 83 19 1.77 PF20 T80 acid Genapol 8 2800 40 1:1 Tanex 20glucose 635 2219 1.8 295 206 90 1.93 PF40 Genapol 8 2800 40 1:1 Tanex 31mixture 107 1410 1.5 328 242 85 1.94 PF40 (glucose and quinic acid)Genapol 8 2800 40 1:1 Tanex 40 Quinic 1034 2362 0.6 83 61 22 1.89 PF40acid Genapol 13 550 64 1:1 Silvatech Quinic 1409 3944 0.6 274 196 781.90 X-080 T80 acid Genapol 13 550 64 1:1 Tanex 31 mixture 179 317 1.4218 76 142 1.85 X-080 (glucose and quinic acid) Genapol 13 550 64 1:1Tanex 20 glucose 211 303 1.5 172 43 129 1.87 X-080 Genapol 13 550 64 1:1glucose glucose 715 1072 1.4 191 120 71 1.89 X-080 tannic acid(purchased from Sigma Aldrich GmbH) Genapol 13 550 64 5:3 glucoseglucose 376 3177 1.3 162 101 61 1.90 X-080 tannic acid (purchased fromSigma Aldrich GmbH) Genapol 13 550 64 5:8 glucose glucose 186 1411 1.5185 132 53 1.85 X-080 tannic acid (purchased from Sigma Aldrich GmbH)Synperonic 18.5 4200 40 1:1 Silvatech glucose 915 2400 1.8 254 174 791.86 PE/P84 GC Synperonic 22 12600 70 1:1 Tanex 20 glucose Mat. 1 215253 1.5 385 297 88 1.88 PE/F127 Synperonic 22 12600 70 5:1 Tanex 20glucose 239 177 62 PE/F127 Synperonic 22 12600 70 2:1 Tanex 20 glucose198 470 0.6 456 384 72 2.17 PE/F127 Synperonic 22 12600 70 1:2 Tanex 20glucose 201 302 0.7 274 196 78 2.06 PE/F127 Synperonic 22 12600 70 1:1Tanex 31 mixture Mat. 2 139 189 1.1 370 254 115 1.88 PE/F127 (glucoseand quinic acid) Synperonic 22 12600 70 1:1 Tanex 40 Quinic Mat. 3 80198 1.1 275 157 118 1.91 PE/F127 acid Pluronic >24 8400 80 1:1 Silvatechglucose 131 781 1.6 328 265 63 1.89 F-68 GC Pluronic 12 2000 50 1:1Tanex 31 mixture 1603 3943 0.6 294 170 124 1.89 10R5 to (glucose 18 andquinic acid) Genapol 13-14 640 69 1:1 Silvatech glucose 880 2985 1.4 264201 63 1.8 X-100 GC Pluronic 18-23 1900 50 1:1 Silvatech glucose 16912401 1.1 46 0 46 1.81 L-35 GC Pluronic 7 5800 30 1:1 Silvatech Quinic100 110 0.8 298 206 92 1.86 P123 to T80 acid 9 Pluronic 7 5800 30 1:1Silvatech glucose 737 2364 1.8 243 185 58 1.91 P123 to GC 9 *valuesgiven by providers of the amphiphilic molecule

TABLE 2 weight ratio carbon Carbon Tannic BET BET BET Amphiphilic HLB MW% source:amphi- source acid total micro external molecule value [g/mol]EO phile:water compound core [m2/g] [m2/g] [m2/g] Synperonic 22 12600 701:1:2 Tanex 20 glucose 343 165 178 PE/F127

TABLE 3 weight ratio Mean Modal carbon Carbon Tannic pore pore pore BETBET BET Skeletal Amphiphilic HLB MW % source:amphi- source acid sizesize volume total micro external density molecule value [g/mol] EO philecompound type [nm] [nm] [cm3/g] [m2/g] [m2/g] [m2/g] [g/cm3] GenapolX-100 13-14 640 69 1:1 Silvatech Ellagitannin 41 28 0.5 158 45 113 1.87C

TABLE 4 weight ratio Mean Modal carbon Carbon Tannic pore pore poreAmphiphilic HLB MW % source:amphi- source acid size size volume moleculevalue [g/mol] EO phile compound type [nm] [nm] [cm3/g] CommentsSynperonic 22 12600 70 1:1 Tanal QW Condensed 19 9 0.3 Material PE/F127tannin collapses during porosimetry measurement; No modal pore peakobserved between 50-300 nm Synperonic 22 12600 70 1:1 OmniVin Condensed56 570 0.3 Material PE/F127 10R tannin collapses during porosimetrymeasurement; No modal pore peak observed between 50-300 nm

Example 5

Materials were prepared according to the recipes labelled as material 1to 3 in Table 1. The obtained porous carbon material was resized toobtain particles having a particle size d₅₀ as given for the examples X1to X7 in Table 6. The charge acceptance I_(d) and the hydrogen evolutioncurrent I_(HER) measured at −1.5 V were determined according to the testmethod herein. The particle sizing was performed as follows:

For particles with d₅₀ below 10 μm

A coarse powder was obtained by crushing the material with a mortar andpestle to break the material mechanically to particles with a maximumdiameter of 5 mm. Then, the coarse powder was processed to the targetsize using an Alpine Multi-processing system 50 ATP with a turboplexclassifier (diameter 50 mm, Al2O3 material) and an Alpine Fluidised BedOpposed Jet Mill 100 AFG from Hosokawa Alpine AG. The multi-processingsystem included a cyclone (GAZ 120) and a filter. The nitrogen gas usedin the air jets of the mill had 6 bar of pressure and the feed rate ofthe material was 1 kg/hour. The sifter speed was 16,000 rpm. Thematerial collected was in the cyclone fraction. The particle size wasmeasured using the method described herein.

For particles with d₅₀ greater than 10 μm

A coarse powder was obtained by crushing the material with a mortar andpestle to break the material mechanically to particles with a maximumdiameter of 10 mm. Then, the coarse powder was processed using aplanetary ball mill such as the PM-400 mill from Retsch GmbH with 500 mLgrinding jars (type “comfort”) of zirconium oxide and 10 grinding balls,each ball with a 20 mm diameter made from zirconium oxide (yttriumstabilized). The milling pots were filled with 40 mL of the coarsepowder. The planetary ball mill was operated in “Manual mode” using thefollowing parameters.

Revolution Milling Sieving speed time Repe- steps, mesh Desired d50[rpm] [minutes] titions size of sieves 10-35 μm 300 5 Twice 1.6 mm, 400μm 35-70 μm 300 3 Once 1.6 mm, 400 μm 70-150 μm  250 2 Once 1.6 mm, 500μm 150-300 μm  200 2 Once 1.6 mm, 500 μm

The bead mills were removed from the material by using the first meshsize in the sieving step. The oversize particles in the material weresubsequently removed by a second sieving step with the given mesh size.Both sieving steps were done manually with the sieve placed on top of abottom collecting pan, both with a diameter of 200 mm and a height of 50mm. The material and balls were placed on top of the appropriate 1.6 mmsieve and slowly shaken in a rotary fashion until the material wascollected in the collecting pan. The material was transferred from thecollecting pan to another vessel, the sieve was changed to the givensmaller mesh size and the material was again placed on the sieve andslowly shaken in a rotary fashion. The desired material was collectedfrom the collecting pan and the particle size was measured using themethod described herein.

Lead Acid Battery Testing

Pastes for the negative electrode were prepared following the methoddescribed in the article by J. Settelein et al. (Journal of EnergyStorage 15 (2018) 196-204) with the recipe given in Table 5. 2 Vlaboratory test cells were prepared following the procedure in the samereference.

TABLE 5 Weight percent in mixture [wt. %] based Manu- on 100 g Materialfacturer CAS-Number of lead dust Lead dust Ph: 7439-92-1 (40% Pb/60%PbO) PbO: 1317-36-8 Distilled Water 7732-18-5 12 Dilated sulfuric H₂SO₄:8 acid density 7664-93-9 of 1.43 H₂O: 7732-18-5 Barium Sulfate Merck7727-43-7 0.8 Vanisperse A Borregaard 0.2 LignoTech Polymer fibers9003-07-0 0.05 (polypropylene) Carbon additive See Table 6 1.0

After construction of the batteries, the formation cycle was conductedalso following the procedure as described in the same reference. Thecurrent at −1.5V versus Ag/Ag₂SO₄ gives an indication for the hydrogenevolution reaction and hence an indication for the water loss in thefinal battery. The measurements of the hydrogen evolution reaction wereconducted as described in the article by J. Settelein et al. (Journal ofEnergy Storage 15 (2018) 196-204).

The DCA test protocol was adapted from EN-Norm 50342-6:2015 according tothe DCA protocol and following the method described in the samereference. Voltages in EN-Norm 50342-6 were scaled by a factor of ⅙ asis appropriate for a 2V cell, and currents were downscaled to a 1 Ahtest cell regime. The values shown in Table 6 are the charging currentI_(d) after discharge as described in the reference.

TABLE 6 Hydrogen Hydrogen Charge evolution evolution acceptance currentat −1.5 current at −1.5 Material Particle size (discharge) Id V I_(HER)V ratio with Example used d₅₀ [μm] [A/Ah] [mA/Ah] LB 101 Performance X1Mat. 1 5 −− X2 Mat. 1 58 1.07 −64 1.42 ++ X3 Mat. 1 302 − X4 Mat. 2 30++ K5 Mat. 2 267 0 X6 Mat. 2 345 − X7 Mat. 3 5 −− X7 Mat. 3 159 +Control LB 101 0.095 0.7 −45 −− +++ = excellent, ++ = very good, + =good, 0 = fair, − = poor, −− = poorer

Although illustrated and described above with reference to certainspecific embodiments and examples, the present disclosure isnevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather,various modifications may be made in the details within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spiritof the disclosure. Itis expressly intended, for example, that all rangesbroadly recited in this document include within their scope all narrowerranges which fall within the broader ranges.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A porous carbon material comprising atleast one of the following features: a total pore volume in a range from0.4 to 2.8 cm³/g for pores having a diameter in a range from 10 nm to10,000 nm; or a pore diameter distribution with a mode in a range from50 to 280 nm.
 2. The porous carbon material according to claim 1 furthercomprising at least one of the following features: a BET_(MICRO) in arange from 0 to 650 m²/g; a skeletal density in a range from 1.8 to 2.3g/cm³; a d₅₀ for primary particle diameter in a range from 300 nm to 100μm; a mean pore size above 40 nm; a modal pore size above 40 nm; a ratioof modal pore size to mean pore size in a range from 0.2 to 1.1; aparticle diameter d₉₀ below 7 μm; less than 25 ppm impurities other thancarbon; or an iron content less than 25 ppm.
 3. The porous carbonmaterial according to claim 2 further comprising at least a mean poresize above 40 nm and a modal pore size above 40 nm.
 4. A devicecomprising the porous carbon material according to claim
 3. 5. A processof using the porous carbon material according to claim 3 for improvingthe properties of an electrical device, wherein the electrical device isselected from the group consisting of an electrochemical cell, acapacitor, an electrode, and a fuel cell.
 6. A device comprising theporous carbon material according to claim
 2. 7. A process of using theporous carbon material according to claim 2 for improving the propertiesof an electrical device, wherein the electrical device is selected fromthe group consisting of an electrochemical cell, a capacitor, anelectrode, and a fuel cell.
 8. A device comprising the porous carbonmaterial according to claim
 1. 9. A process of using the porous carbonmaterial according to claim 1 for improving the properties of anelectrical device, wherein the electrical device is selected from thegroup consisting of an electrochemical cell, a capacitor, an electrode,and a fuel cell.
 10. The process according to claim 9 wherein iontransport of the electrical device is improved.
 11. The processaccording to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is a lithium ionbattery having electrodes, and a power density of the lithium ionbattery is improved by enhancing ion diffusivity in the electrodes. 12.The process according to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is alithium ion battery having an electrode with a thickness, and an energydensity of the lithium ion battery is improved by increasing theelectrode thickness.
 13. The process according to claim 9 wherein theelectrical device is a lithium ion battery having electrodes, and theprocess reduces a drying time of the electrodes.
 14. The processaccording to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is a lithium ionbattery having electrodes filled with electrolyte, and the processreduces an electrolyte filling time of the electrodes.
 15. The processaccording to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is a lithium ionbattery having electrodes filled with electrolyte, and the processimproves a low-temperature conductivity of the electrolyte.
 16. Theprocess according to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is a fuelcell, and the process improves a cycle life and/or water transport inthe fuel cell.
 17. The process according to claim 9 wherein theelectrical device is an electrical capacitor having an electrode with athickness, and an energy density of the electrical capacitor is improvedby increasing the electrode thickness.
 18. The process according toclaim 9 wherein the electrical device is an electrical capacitor havingelectrodes, and a power density of the electrical capacitor is improvedby enhancing an ion diffusivity in the electrodes.
 19. The processaccording to claim 9 wherein the electrical device is a lead acidbattery, and the process improves a cycle life and/or a deep-dischargecapacity in the lead acid battery.
 20. The process according to claim 9wherein the electrical device is a lead acid battery, and the processimproves a dynamic charge acceptance in the lead acid battery.